Shapely New Nose, Improved Efficiency Give Volume CUV a Boost

Hot on the heels of its Pathfinder big brother, the Nissan Rogue is getting a subtle restyling for the 2017 model year, with the addition of a Rogue Hybrid model to the stable.

Foremost among the visible changes is the all-new front-end styling. Shaped to mimic the attractive Maxima sedan and Murano crossover, the Rogue’s new front end features a deeper-cut version of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design. The Rogue was one of the first Nissan vehicles to feature V-Motion, and for 2017, the designers took the design cue to the limit to great effect. Aggressive new headlights also copy the Maxima, with LED accent lamps that give the Rogue a squinty, angry mien. A reshaped front bumper comes along for the ride.

Around back, changes are subtle; darker taillamps lose some of the shiny accents of the 2016 Rogue, riding above a new rear bumper with a simulated skidplate in silver. In between the bumpers, changes are even more minimal. Chrome door moldings on the rocker panel are about the only change you’ll notice in profile. Three new colors, including the cover model’s striking Monarch Orange, are on the 2017 Rogue’s options list.

Inside, the Rogue gets a new steering wheel design, a new shift surround with leather boot, nicer cloth and leather upholstery, and new dashboard and door panel finishes. Furthermore, an available Platinum Reserve package upgrades the Rogue SL’s leather seating to include premium hides and quilted inserts. An updated gauge display with added connectivity features is also included.

The new interior looks much more luxurious than the old Rogue’s, at least on the top-spec vehicle Nissan had to show off in Miami. We’re immediately impressed by the thick-rimmed steering wheel, which looks like it’d be more at home in something with a Nismo badge rather than a compact family SUV. It feels good under the palm as well, giving the driver a good first impression.

Equally as important as the subtle cosmetic changes is the newly available Rogue Hybrid model. Ditching the normal Rogue’s 170hp 2.5L I-4 for a 2.0L I-4 and a 30kW electric motor gives the Rogue Hybrid an impressive 5-mpg increase in combined fuel economy, and the Hybrid also has four additional horsepower over the standard engine, at 174. While Nissan didn’t reveal peak torque for the Hybrid, we’d bet it’s better across the rev range than the standard Rogue. As with the 2.5L engine, the hybrid system is mated to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (a Nissan staple).

City fuel economy is nearly unrivaled in the compact SUV class, at 33 mpg for the front-drive Rogue Hybrid. Only the RAV4 Hybrid’s 34 mpg beats that number. Similarly, the front-drive model’s 35 highway mpg is tops in class, tying with the manual-transmission Mazda CX-5 and beating all others (the RAV4 Hybrid can only muster 31 mpg on the highway). Rogue Hybrid AWD numbers fall one mpg across the board, to 31/34/33 mpg city/highway/combined.

Unfortunately for the Hybrid, the Rogue’s optional third-row seat is unavailable. Presumably, the batteries and other hybrid doodads preempt the space where the way-back seat would fold. Still, those who must option the barely-usable third row will get a good SUV for their money, as the standard Rogue is still available in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL. Each is available with all-wheel drive, and we expect each to maintain their aggressive, consumer-friendly prices. The Rogue Hybrid, like the RAV4 Hybrid, is positioned as a premium model, not a loss-leader cheapskate. As such, it’s only available in SV and SL trims, with two or four driven wheels. The Rogue is also now available with adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, and pedestrian detection, features that drive the compact decidedly upmarket.

While pricing has yet to be announced for any 2017 Rogue model, we expect the SUV to offer its signature blend of value and style. Its aggressive styling, attractive new interior, and available hybrid propulsion system will only make it more enticing to customers shopping for a small family SUV, and we won’t be surprised if we see it dethrone the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 in at least one or two of our monthly sales reports. Expect it to hit showrooms by the end of 2016.